Overcoming a Diagnosis

An Interview with

Brittany Raycraft

Overcoming my Diagnosis

For as long as I can remember, I’ve had post traumatic stress (PTSD) and borderline personality disorder. Having both has been very difficult to manage. Growing up I was bullied because of my condition, which caused my disorder to become very severe. At the age of twenty-four, I woke up in the ICU after a life-threatening suicide attempt. My suicide attempt became a turning point, I decided to take charge of my mental health and my spiritual journey began. My PTSD is caused by various experiences with sexual assault as I have grown up, I have experienced both assault as well as rape, physically and mentally abusive relationships.

Being creative has always been a therapy to me. It gives me an outlet to express how I feel. It also connects others who have been through similar feelings and experiences. Through self-expression we show others, they are not alone in their suffering. My mission is to be an open person, in doing so I hope that my personal journey helps others feel more support, feel less alone and inspires healing. This is why I decided to become a tattooist. To help others.

Through my journey of spiritual discovery and creativity, I have learned how to honour myself. I have been able to see that my disorder can be embraced and channeled as a unique quality about myself. “I am an energy that channels healing for others.” Often, mental disorders carry a stigma that we are broken and can never be fixed but in fact, we are the empaths of this world, the shamans, oracles and healers. We have been very misunderstood, both by ourselves and others.

The more we embrace our spiritual gifts, the more balance we will feel. We in turn honour why we are truly here as conscious beings. This is the reason why I have survived, and have risen above my disorder and traumas.

Please note: Always use your own discretion. Any advice you find on Umatter is our opinion. It may or may not work for you. We are not responsible for the choices you make or the result of your choices.

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One thought on “Overcoming a Diagnosis”

Thank you for sharing Brittany. I appreciate you mentioning being an empath as there is a correlation between being an empath and having a mental disorder. Congratulations to you for finding your own and channeling yourself for the better. Maybe this will influence others to recognize that in themselves.

Please Note

This site is a tool to use in addition to any professional help you may be receiving. At U matter we understand that the lessons we have provided will not work for everyone. We encourage you to take what you can from each lesson and just keep moving forward on your path to discovering your greatness.

We also understand that these lessons may feel overwhelming at first. Do what you can do from the place you’re in; tomorrow we invite you back to do a bit more. We ask you to be gentle and loving towards yourself.

Take your time and understand that you are who you are by all the events that have taken place in your life. It may take time for you to rediscover the real you underneath all the layers of personality, behaviors, and ideas we hold about ourselves. Be patient and allow yourself to be whatever you are.

Know that right now in whatever condition you are in you are loved and needed it this world! We don’t work on ourselves to make us better for the world. We work on ourselves to make us better for ourselves, so that we can claim the peace that lives within all of us.

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I am a Non-Denominational Ordained Minister, I’ve had a keen interest in self-help and spirituality for the last 20 years of my life. I spent eight years working with a doctor holding study groups, meditation groups and facilitating workshops which he and I developed. During and after my time with Dr. Johnson I found the Ishaya Monks, in total I spent eight years traveling around with them. I eventually took vows and became an Ishaya for a year. During my time with the Ishayas, I would go on meditation retreats for up to two months at a time. After I left the Ishayas, I attended Western University to study Psychology and English for a period of two years. I have training in a few different healing modalities. Other courses I have taken include Palliative Care, Toast Masters (to learn how to become a professional speaker). I have a native spirituality course and was fire keeper for a sweat lodge. Over the years I have facilitated workshops and talks in schools, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Rogers Daytime TV and been a guest and a host on CHRW radio at Western University. Currently, I am a self-employed artist and I have been in business for the last 25 years. I have volunteered as a Big Brother (eight years), Palliative Care Support Worker (one year) and worked with special needs children and adults (three years). Workshops I have taught over the years include, Become a Gentle-Man, Meditation and Journey to the Hearts Riches.

Being raised in a small town has taught me the value of seeing each person as an individual. Growing up in a time before hand held electronics, cell phones and computers gave me the perfect environment to absorb life at my own pace. My passion has always been to serve from the heart. I believe in strong morals and the importance of community; this has led me to where I am able to support others today in their journey. My own path has been one of considerable strength, pain and personal triumph. I am a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, I have been on both sides of the medical system, as a long-term patient with chronic illness and as a health care worker. I have overcome several traumas, this helps others relate to me. Overcoming my life long addiction by removing fear has given me the courage and wisdom I now share with the world. Living life as an observer, has taught me kindness, patience and most of all compassion in abundance to share with those who cross my path. It is my hope that anyone who crosses Umatter’s path, will find the connection they are seeking, with themselves and with us, your support community.

Since I was a little girl my passion and focus has always been on helping others. I remember at the tender age of 4 my Grandfather telling me that I was going to help many people and change lives. He was right. Throughout my early adulthood I experienced trauma from abuse in its many forms. This left me feeling used, broken and lost. It is by the Grace of God I am here today to pay forward what I have learned in overcoming these traumas and to help others that are going through similar experiences. My journey to recovery has been ongoing. A few years ago I was diagnosed with a chronic pain condition called Fibromyalgia. I have since founded and now facilitate an online Fibromyalgia support group and have a community page where I advocate and spread awareness for chronic pain and mental health issues, treatments and coping strategies. In 2005 I decided to put my passion and focus for helping others to good use. I went back to school and started my path to becoming a Social Worker. I studied Social Work and Psychology and graduated with highest honours. In 2007/2008 I continued my education and graduated with honours as a Social Service Worker. I have worked, volunteered, advocated and fundraised for various agencies, charities and non profit organizations since then. I am a certified Peer Support Counsellor, Certified Respite Support Worker and have been trained in Crisis Intervention including suicide prevention. Mental Health has been a major component in my training. I am truly blessed, honoured and excited to become a member of the You Matter team. I look forward to learning and growing through the practice of Mindfulness and Meditation.